Why did CPK's Q4 2024 earnings fall short of forecasts?

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation's (CPK) Q4 2024 earnings fell short of forecasts due to several factors:

1. **Revenue Shortfall**: The company's revenue for the quarter was $215 million, missing the forecast of $231.35 million. This shortfall can be attributed to operational challenges and market conditions affecting the natural gas and electric distribution segments.
2. **Earnings Per Share (EPS) Miss**: The reported EPS for Q4 was $1.63, below the consensus estimate of $1.67. This slight miss indicates that the company's performance for the period was slightly lower than anticipated.
3. **Warm Weather**: Chesapeake Utilities faced challenges due to warmer-than-normal weather, which impacted its natural gas distribution operations. Mild weather reduced the demand for natural gas, leading to lower-than-expected sales volumes.

Despite these shortcomings, Chesapeake Utilities reported strong full-year 2024 performance, with adjusted gross margin increasing by 25% to $567 million and adjusted net income rising by 24% to $122 million. The company's strategic investments and geographic expansion have bolstered its competitive position, particularly in high-growth areas like Florida.